A man has been convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl after locking her in his B&B room.
Lee Metcalf met the teenager through social media and arranged to meet up in person. The 38-year-old invited her back to the room which he was staying in at a B&B.
The pair watched Netflix before the girl told him it was time for her to leave. However, Metcalf was unprepared to let her go. He threw her shoes out the window, threatened her and raped her.
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The terrified victim managed to escape and contact police when Metcalf fell asleep.
Metcalf, of Tynedale Crescent, Penshaw, Houghton, was arrested and charged with rape and false imprisonment. He denied the offences, claiming the sex was consensual.
On Friday, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty on both counts. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the court in Newcastle on May 10.
Following Metcalf's conviction, Northumbria Police said he had preyed on a teenager who was two decades his junior and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal.
A spokesperson for the force said: "We absolutely welcome this conviction and hope it provides his brave victim with some comfort in knowing he faces a lengthy prison sentence.
"We want to praise the survivor for her bravery and composure during the investigation and trial – because of your courage in coming forward, a dangerous man is locked up and will be unable to hurt anyone else.
"We hope this conviction serves as a stark warning to those with an unlawfully blurred view of consent that someone consenting to meet up with you or agreeing to go back to your room or home absolutely does not equate to sexual consent.
"No one should ever have to endure this type of abuse and support is available from our officers and the many fantastic charities we work closely with. If you have ever been a victim of rape or any type of sexual assault, we’re here for you."
Anyone who would like to disclose a report of rape or sexual assault can visit Northumbria Police's website for more information. If it is an emergency, always call 999.
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